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Gospel: John 16: 29-33
The disciples said to Jesus,
“Now you are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech.
Now we realize that you know everything
and that you do not need to have anyone question you.
Because of this we believe that you came from God.”
Jesus answered them, “Do you believe now?
Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived
when each of you will be scattered to his own home
and you will leave me alone.
But I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
I have told you this so that you might have peace in me.
In the world you will have trouble,
but take courage, I have conquered the world.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
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During the last few weeks at daily Mass, we’ve been reading from Jesus’ “Farewell Discourse,” his final words to his Apostles before his arrest, crucifixion, and death.
This seems odd in the Easter season, when we’re focused on the joy of the resurrection! But today we’re invited to hear Christ’s words in light of Pentecost, which we will celebrate on Sunday.
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After Jesus ascends into heaven and sends forth his Spirit upon the Apostles, he leaves the life – and the future – of the Church in their hands.
And with this authority, a series of lessons – some of which are shared during his “Farewell Discourse,” and others, which are taught by his actions.
For example, as Jesus reaches the end of his earthly life at the tender age of 33, he teaches his Apostles that life is not about duration, but donation.
Time is God’s gift to us. What matters is not how much time we have, as much as how well we use it.
In his case, Jesus spent every word, every moment, every ounce of his energy glorifying his heavenly Father and serving his neighbor.
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How do we use our own time, especially in regard to faith and charity?
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Make a “donation” today.
Set aside a few moments to do something beautiful for God.
In some small way, be like Jesus, “who has loved us and given himself for us.”
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Image credits: (1) X, Quote by John Lennon (2) The Sacrament of the Last Supper, Salvador Dali, 1955 (3) AZ Quotes